Faculty: Dr. Anne Barnfield

Academic Background

B.Sc., University of London, Great Britain

Ph.D., University of Sussex, Great Britain

Research and Scholarly Interests

Human Neuropsychology: Spatial memory and spatial representations and their development. I am investigating these using object arrays and maps, both of which are two-dimensional materials. I have also run studies in three-dimensional representation and processing of spatial information using the learning of Karate kata (forms) to investigate processing of movement through space. Some of my research in spatial representation involves participation of Deaf children and adults, persons who communicate using a visual language American Sign Language (ASL).

Behavioural and Cognitive effects of sport participation: Application of Psychological theory to research indicating positive behavioural effects of sport participation. Focus on child/youth participation. Effectiveness of Therapeutic Riding (TR) for children with physical difficulties and/or developmental delay incorporates physical aspects as well as cognitive-behavioural.

Ethics in Psychology: The need for teaching of ethics in Psychology and the impact of legislation (primarily governmental, but also via professional organizations) on ethical practice.

Barnfield, A.M.C. (2008). Cultivating a culture of research ethics: The relative influences of teaching and policy. Poster presented at International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) meeting, 2008. Published in IFCU meeting abstracts.

Professional Organization Memberships

Canadian Society for Brain, Behaviour and Cognitive Science (CSBBCS/SCSCCC)

Society for the Teaching of Psychology (APA Division 2)

Community Links

Karate is an activity in which I have been involved for some time, and in which I am constantly being reminded of the applications of psychological principles. Members of the Western University Karate Club and of other local Legacy Shorin ryu dojos volunteered to be participants in studies using learning of Karate kata as a tool to investigate spatial processing of movement through 3-dimensional space and how change of orientation affects performance.

I volunteer at the Robarts School for the Deaf in London, running an after-school karate club. One or two Sundays a month I act as a volunteer ASL interpreter as a member of the London Diocese Sign Mass Team. I also volunteer at SARI Therapeutic Riding.

I am an active member of my local parish (Holy Family).

Now that I own my own horse, Lilliput (“Lilli”), I ride several times a week and have been competing in local “schooling shows”. I live in London with my husband Richard VandeWetering and our pet cat – both of whom provide me with anecdotes to illustrate and enliven my lectures.